Arsenal’s World Cup star unhappy with exit rumours

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Arsenal striker Joel Campbell’s agent has suggested the Costa Rican World Cup star is furious after the recent reports suggested the player has spoken to the Italian clubs over a potential transfer this summer.

The Gunners signed the 18-year-old in 2011 and since then Campbell has been away from the Emirates away on loan. He spent the last season on-loan at Olympiacos where he had an impressive form, which saw him being called for the national side.

An earlier report from ESPN suggested Ruggero Lacerenza, posing to be the striker’s agent claims the striker is attracting interest from the Italian clubs.

However, Campbell’s representative Joaquim Batica says Lacerenza is not the Costa Rican international’s agent and admitted the recent claims have left Campbell furious.

“He does not represent his interests. I do. In fact, while here in Brazil, not once has Joel thought about going anywhere. He’s been purely focused on helping Costa Rica at this tournament.”

“The last thing on his mind at the moment is leaving Arsenal. He’s living his dream of playing at a World Cup in Brazil and cannot wait to take on the Dutch [in Saturday's quarter-final].”

“There are lots of people who have been in contact with me trying to engineer moves to different clubs, but none of them have authorisation from Joel or his family.”

“So everybody should be wary of anyone claiming to be representing him. This man is misleading people, he has nothing to do with us.”

“These third-party people really do muddy the waters as far as we’re concerned. Arsenal know who they are dealing with but other clubs don’t,” Campbell’s agent said.

With Batica’s latest comments from Campbell’s real agent one can understand the 18-year-old has future at the Emirates. Signing a striker is a priority for the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger as in the last campaign Arsenal saw Olivier Giroud as the club’s lone striker for major competitions.

Having Campbell return to the Emirates could see Wenger use the teenager wisely. Irrespective of whether the Costa Rican stays or not, signing a top-quality striker will be a priority for Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Do you think Arsene Wenger should keep Joel Campbell and give him regular chance next season?